Gunpowder Burgers

Charcoal-Grilled Burgers with Big Flavor

There’s nothing more straightforward—or more satisfying—than a good burger over a bed of hot coals. With Ranch & Rifle’s Gunpowder seasoning, these burgers hit harder than your standard salt-and-pepper affair. Balanced with black pepper, garlic, and sea salt, it’s the ultimate seasoning for grilled beef.

Whether you’re topping yours with cheese or going purist with nothing but a fresh tomato slice, this one’s all about nailing the basics—and doing them right.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)

• 1½ tbsp Ranch & Rifle Gunpowder seasoning

• 4–6 burger buns, toasted

• Optional toppings:

  • Sliced tomato

  • American cheese (recommended for that classic melt)

  • Lettuce, pickles, onions, mustard, mayo — the works

Instructions

1. Prepare the Grill
Light your charcoal grill and set it up for direct heat, aiming for a hot and even coal bed. Let it preheat while you prep the burgers.

2. Season the Meat
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef with Gunpowder seasoning. Don’t overwork it—just enough to evenly distribute the flavor.

3. Form Patties
Divide the seasoned beef into 4–6 patties, depending on your desired size. Press a slight dimple in the center of each patty to help it cook evenly and avoid puffing up on the grill.

4. Grill Over Charcoal
Place patties directly over the hot coals. Grill for about 4–5 minutes per side, flipping once, until you reach your desired doneness.

5. Add Cheese (Optional)
If you’re going the cheeseburger route (and we highly recommend it), add a slice of American cheese during the last 1–2 minutes of grilling. Close the lid briefly to melt.

6. Toast the Buns
While the burgers finish, throw your burger buns cut-side down on the grill for 30–60 seconds until lightly toasted.

7. Build & Serve
Place your patties on the toasted buns and top however you like. We went simple with a fresh tomato slice and crisp lettuce, but these burgers are a blank canvas built for layering.

Why It Works

Gunpowder isn’t just a name—it’s a flavor weapon. The blend of coarse salt, cracked pepper, and garlic works perfectly with the fatty richness of grilled beef, especially when kissed by charcoal. Whether you build it up or keep it minimal, this burger delivers the kind of flavor that only fire can create.

Fired up your own Gunpowder Burgers? Tag @Ranch.and.Rifle and show us what’s going down on your grill.